In Brazil’s highly competitive B-segment it’s important to keep meeting and anticipating the needs of customers so the Argo 1.0, Drive 1.0, Drive 1.3, Drive 1.3 GSR, HGT 1.8 and HGT 1.8 Automatic have seen their standard and option equipment rejigged and improved for the “Model Year 2019”.

Among the new features of the Argo MY2019 line is “Start & Stop” as an option for the Drive 1.0 and Drive 1.3 versions while there these level versions also get an anti-theft alarm as standard and further options in the shape of Hill-Holder, Stability Control and Traction Control. Meanwhile, across the whole range new packages have been added including the “Visibility” and “Tech” kits.

The Precision 1.8 and Precision 1.8 Automatic versions – which slot in above the 1.3 and below the 1.8 HGT versions in the range – currently remain available for ordering in MY2018 format but Fiat Brazil says that will soon also be updated for the MY2019.

Argo 1.0 MY2019

The revised entry level version now features the new Visibility kit with intermittent defroster, wiper and washer as an option while the existing Connect and Convenience radio kits remain available. As standard, this version already comes with air conditioning, front electric windows, electric locking, electrically-assisted power steering, on-board computer, steering wheel with height adjustment, ESS (emergency braking warning) and 14-inch steel wheels.

Argo Drive 1.0 MY2019

Equipped with the 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder “Firefly” engine, this version now comes with antitheft alarm as standard and, optionally, Traction Control (TC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Holder system.

It also includes equipment such as progressive electric steering, air conditioning, driver's seat with height adjustment and ISOFIX. Among the options available on the “Drive 1.0” are the on-line Parking, Radio Connect and Convenience kits, as well as the new Tech kit – which comprises of Start & Stop, Traction Control (TC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Holder system –  and the Multimedia Kit with its 9-inch touch screen, Bluetooth voice command, audio streaming, AUX / USB / MP3, AM / FM radio, steering wheel with audio and phone commands, as well as a second USB port for rear passengers.

The new 9-inch touch screen, the largest in B-segment, has functions that aim to make life easier on board, including iOS and Android mirroring, voice recognition and steering wheel integration. In addition, it provides Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, Wi-Fi / hotspot connectivity and voice recognition.

With integrated steering wheel controls, this 9-inch multimedia centre – available on the Drive 1.0, Drive 1.3 and Drive 1.3 GSR models of the Argo MY2019 – has 16GB of internal memory for storing photos, videos and music and also offers a calendar and calculator.

Argo Drive 1.3 MY2019

The version also features an anti-theft alarm as standard and the new optional Traction Control (TC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Holder system. This model, equipped with the 1.3-litre Firefly engine, can still be specified with the existing Parking, Connect and Convenience kits. In addition, customers can also add the new 9-inch Multimedia and Tech kits that are also available for the “Drive 1.0” version.

Argo Drive 1.3 GSR MY2019

As with the Drive 1.3 level, the GSR version comes with an anti-theft alarm as standard as well as other items such as Traction Control (TC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Holder system, Auto-Up Shift Abort (which ensures more resilient pickup), cruise control, armrest for the driver, electrically-operated rear windows and electrically operated door mirrors with tilt down function and embedded side repeaters. In terms of optional equipment, the 9-inch Multimedia Kit, Parking Kit and Connect Kit are all available.

Argo HGT 1.8 MY2019

The range topping version has recalibrated suspension and sports stability control for the MY2019 as well as rear parking sensors which work with the standard graphic display. Customers can also optionally specify a rear camera and front side bags as well as the Style and Tech packages.

Argo HGT 1.8 AT MY2019

This adds the six-speed automatic transmission to the HGT offering and now comes with a rear parking sensor with graphic viewer as standard while it has the same options as the manual version, namely the Style and Tech kits, front side bags and a rear camera.

Body colours

The Argo MY2019 line features an array of solid colours, namely White Banchisa, Vulcan Black and Alpine Red, pearlescent Alaska White and silver Metallic Silver Bari, Vesuvio Black and Scandium Gray. Meanwhile the two HGT versions aren’t available in Vulcan Black and Alpine Red but instead have the solid Porto Azul and Modena Red colours as options.

Pricing

The rejigged Argo MY2019 range kicks off with the Argo 1.0, which is priced at R$ 44.990,00, while the second entry level version to feature the 1-litre engine, the Fiat Argo Drive 1.0, comes in slightly higher at R$ 47.990,00. Then slots in the lower mid-range models, the Argo Drive 1.3, priced at R$ 53.990,00, and the Argo Drive 1.3 GSR, at R$ 59.590,00. Finally, the manual-transmission Argo HGT 1.8 has a tag of R$ 65.990,00 and the automatic Argo HGT 1.8 AT6, at R$ 71.990,00, complete the revised range.

Photos: Fiat Argo MY2019 (Brazil)